Economy, Law & Politics

OTTAWA — The federal government declared victory over a massive backlog of passport applications Tuesday as the social development minister announced that 98 per cent of the delayed applications have now been processed.

The B.C. premier technically went unchallenged last fall following the disqualification of leadership hopeful Anjali Appadurai.

The BC Greens are moving to shore up their credentials on the health care file, by naming a high-profile surgeon to be deputy leader of the party.

Almost a year after forming a company to organize illegal roadblocks, a leader of three climate change protest brands pleaded guilty to five mischief charges Monday in Vancouver Provincial Court.

Dr. Sanjiv Gandhi said he’s had numerous emails from physician assistants looking to work in B.C. and has to turn them away, even though they could save the system money.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index was lower in late-morning trading, weighed down by losses in the energy and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets were mixed. The S&P/TSX composite index was down 23.49 points at 20,608.09.

As inflation continues to weigh on Canadians' budgets, some may have entered the new year taking on a self-imposed "no-buy challenge.

OTTAWA — The Liberal cabinet will head into the second of a three-day retreat in Hamilton today with a lengthy to-do list, including tackling inflation and making the country more competitive.

For British Columbians looking for clues on the current federal perspective on the province, there is fairly thin gruel to consume.

Scramble for workers boosts costs, delays projects